April 15 is the deadline for applications for three programs available to
property owners to reduce their property taxes this year.

Boundary County Assessor Dave Ryals encourages everyone eligible for the
homeowner's exemption and the circuit breaker program to submit their
applications as soon as possible.

The homeowner's exemption reduces the taxable value of your owner-occupied
residence and up to one acre of land on which the home sits by 50-percent, to a
maximum of $101,153. If you've qualified for this exemption in the past and
still own and occupy the same residence, you do not need to re-apply.
Applications for new homeowners cannot be accepted after April 15 unless the
home is newly constructed and first occupied after that date, and the exemption
will not go into effect until next year's tax cycle.

The Circuit Breaker exemption is a state-funded property tax relief program
that pays a portion or all property tax for qualifying applicants. Unlike the
homeowners exemption, those seeking relief under the Circuit Breaker exemption
must make application each year. The exemption is available to property owners
aged 65 or older, or who are widowed, disabled or under the age of 18 and
fatherless, motherless or abandoned. The amount the state pays toward an
eligible applicant's property tax depends on net income, which is currently set
at a maximu of $28,000. The Circuit Breaker exemption does not pay applied fees,
such as those for solid waste or translator fees.

In addition to the above programs, a new state program is now in place that
may allow qualified property owners to defer payment on a portion of their
property tax obligation, and again, the deadline for applying is April 15. The
tax deferment program is also income based, but there are a few requirements
needed to qualify.

Because the application process to qualify for these programs can be
complicated, Ryals encourages all property owners who may be eligible to apply
as soon as possible. To find out more, visit the Assessor's office, Room 26 in
the Boundary County Courthouse, or call (208) 267-3301.